The Victorian Era of the United Kingdom was the reign of Queen Victoria, from June 20, 1837, until her death on January 22, 1901. The era was characterized by class-based society, a growing state economy, a growing number of eligible voters, and Britain’s reputation as an all powerful empire.
The era saw the rapid expansion of the industry during the Industrial Revolution , which transformed the economy, society, and urban landscapes. As more people migrated to cities to work in factories, overcrowding rapidly increased. Mistreatment and disease spread through the factories, causing many people to become sick or face abuse. Despite these obstacles, cultural transformations surged as a new emphasis on manners, morality, and family values emerged. In addition, literature also flourished as writers such as Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy, and the Brontë sisters.
Due to the Industrial Revolution, new inventions and groundbreaking scientific discoveries also greatly impacted Victorian society. New machinery and new modes of transportation, such as railroads and the steam-powered ships, made it easier for people to travel to jobs and live in more urban areas–leading to the growth of urbanization. Advancements in medicine, like the discovery of the germ theory, also changed how illnesses were seen and treated; which greatly combated the rise of sickness. Charles Darwin, a notable modern scientific theorist, created the theory of evolution and greatly impacted the world of modern science and thought.
In the present day, the Victorian era remains extremely prominent as Victorian style architecture and clothing continue to uphold popularity. . The era ended in 1901 following Queen Victoria’s death, paving the way from the Ewardian period.
